The contact packages will cover the construction of stations and tunnels along Quezon Avenue, East Avenue, Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
In his speech, Marcos reiterated the project will spur economic development, especially amid challenges brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
He said it is also a “clear demonstration” of his administration’s commitment to pursuing major infrastructure projects to further boost the country’s growth.
Marcos said they also aim to expand efforts to enhance the country’s public transport system to other urban areas.
“Let me assure you that the government remains dedicated to maximizing its resources to pursue even more ambitious endeavors that will bring comfort and progress to Filipinos all over the country,” said Marcos.
He said the subway project is also material in the bid to address the “terrible stories” about lack of quality time for many Filipinos due to traffic congestion.
“We quote often just the travel time advantage that this will bring. But it is not only that. The volume of traffic that a subway or a railway can take as compared to a highway or a road is significantly higher because it is regular, there is no traffic, and it is scheduled, and so people can hope that it is reliable,” he said.
“We hope to reduce the terrible sight of watching – of going home at midnight along Edsa and still seeing people waiting to take the bus. That is the advantage of what the subway will bring,” he added.
Marcos expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for partnering with the Philippines in pursuing the project.
The contract package 102 with a total contract amount of around P21 billion was awarded to the joint venture of Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd. and DM Consunji Inc., while the contract package 103 with a total contract amount of P28 billion to Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd.
The Department of Transportation earlier said the project is expected to be operational by 2028.
The subway system, which will run from Valenzuela to Bicutan, is expected to cut down the usual two hours or more travel time from the said points to just 45 minutes.
It will have 17 stations, with interconnection on the current railway system in Metro Manila such as the Light Rail Transit, Metro Rail Transit and Philippine National Railways.
Over 519,000 passengers per day are expected to be catered by the subway system.
The P488.47-billion worth project will be funded by a loan agreement between the Philippines and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
In October, Marcos led the groundbreaking of the Metro Manila Subway Project, Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard Stations. (SunStar Philippines)